Cosimo Maria Masini Nicole (2007) Tuscany

A fantastic Italian red from Cosimo Maria Masini, a biodynamic winery located near Pisa in Tuscany. The estate, where the farming of grapes and olives dates back to the 1600's, was purchased by Cosimo Masini (an engineer by trade) in 1999. On his twenty-five acres of vineyards, Masini grows the traditional grapes of Tuscany along with Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Masini also produces high-quality artisanal olive oil from eleven acres of Frantoio, Leccino, and Moraiolo e Mignola Cerretanna (a rarely grown cultivar) trees. The 2007 Nicole (Masini names all of his wines after members of his family) is 100% Sangiovese. Pressed by the pedis, the wine is fermented in concrete vats using only airborne yeasts. Ruby-red. Beautiful fruit nose. Food friendly acidity. Un-oaked.

Colosi Nero d'Avola (2010) Sicily

Headquartered on Salina, a small island in the Eolian Archipelago near Sicily, Colosi produces terrific everyday reds as well as a sweet Malvasia delle Lipari. The 2010 Nero d'Avola is made from Colosi's best fruit that is vinified and aged (5 months) exclusively in stainless steel. Full-bodied with a sweet, dark cherry nose. Nice smooth, round finish, unlike some other southern Italians I've tangled with. Great value. Attractive label depicting the Black d'Avola vine and the Colosi flower.